From the editors

By Rob & Sara Bednark
The Portland Upside
January 2010

While moving from the Midwest to Portland in 1996, we crossed over the Marquam Bridge with all of our belongings packed into the back of a rental truck. With the Willamette River below us and the Portland skyline nearby, we exclaimed, “Isn’t it beautiful!” Today we still feel that same sense of appreciation and belonging.

In her article “Stick to your dreams,” Nicole Morale quotes Chris Bucci, “My heart is here, my heart is in Oregon.” That exactly describes our feelings every time we cross those beloved bridges. Chris took his feelings and found a way to make them tangible, and thanks to him we can now proudly display our love of Oregon with the Heart in Oregon emblem.

We met Israel Bayer last June. He was telling his story to the youth in The Pangaea Project and we were moved by his journey, his honesty, and his heart. In “Israel Bayer grows roots in Portland,” Nikki Jardin tells the story of the circuitous route Israel took to reach Portland, and how he is using his rich life experiences to connect with the homeless whose lives he champions.

We feel a commonality with Chris and Israel. They each searched to find their place, and then found ways to connect others to that shared sense of home.

After 13 years living in Portland, we are honored to be able to give something back to the place that we call home.

Sara & Rob

_____


All issues can be viewed on our website, http://PortlandUpside.com Contact us by email, editors@PortlandUpside.com, or by phone, 503-663-1526.